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Enabling Members to do Better Business in Defence
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Welcome to the ADA Defence update for this week!
Australia to Maintain and Sustain Vessels for the Navy Through a $400
Million Contract with Navantia Australia.
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The seven-year contract secures about 200 local jobs, primarily in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, while underscoring the Government’s commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises that are critical to Australia’s defence industry and national security.
Under this contract, Navantia Australia has been appointed as the first multi-class Design Support Contractor, responsible for providing through-life engineering and design knowledge on the Navy’s Canberra class helicopter landing docks and landing craft, the Supply class ships and Hobart class guided missile destroyers.
This contract will also see Navantia Australia engage with Australian small and medium businesses to deliver critical engineering work, ensuring work is spread across the domestic supply chain.
It is the first of several Design Support Contracts that Defence will establish for other Navy capabilities, providing greater efficiency and effectiveness in the engineering and design support provided across Australia’s maritime fleet.
This agreement is part of the Government’s investment of up to $159 billion over the next decade in maritime capabilities that will deliver continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment in Australia.
Read full press release >
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Opportunities for SMEs in the defence industry will continue to grow and we are here to help and advocate for our members.
We would also like to hear from you if you have any news or stories about your business that may be of interest to other businesses and organisations.
We look forward to hearing from you.
mailto:info@australiandefencealliance.org.au
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Global Supply Chain Briefing: Pitch to the Primes
Australian SMEs are invited to attend the GSC Pitch to the Primes briefing during Avalon Airshow 2025.
During this networking event, you will have an opportunity to speak to each of the GSC Primes - Babcock, BAE Systems, Boeing, HII Australia, Kongsberg, L3 Harris, Lockheed Martin, Moog, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Australia, Rheinmetall, Saab and Thales, or you will be able to leave your details with them for follow up opportunities. You should come prepared with a short elevator pitch and have done some research around the applicability of your capability to each prime. While each prime is interested in all competitive capabilities, the Prime ‘Capabilities Sought’ Posters provide guidance on areas of interest. You will also hear about how
the GSC Primes assist Australian Companies under the program.
The GSCP Prime teams are funded by Defence to advocate and find opportunity matches for Australian companies in their international business areas across civil and Defence, so come prepared and help them help you.
Convenor: Department of Defence: Global Supply Chain
Registration: Open to all Avalon 2025 Trade Day attendees
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Government Purchases More Guided Missiles as Part of Future Made in Australia
Australia will manufacture missiles at home from 2025 with Australia and the United States signing two memoranda of understanding.
The Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System Co-Assembly agreement enables the assembly of a first batch of this critical munition in Australia in 2025 and represents a key milestone towards co-production of viable volumes of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) in Australia for global consumption.
The 155mm Ammunition Co-Production MoU authorises the transfer of United States intellectual property, and aligns production standards for 155mm artillery ammunition, enabling greater cooperation on munitions between the
Australian Defence Force and the United States Army and Marine Corps.
The announcement of the two MOUs comes as the United States has also granted Congressional approval for the Foreign Military Sale of more than 300 GMLRS rounds to Australia.
Under the Government’s plans, a new facility will also be constructed, capable of manufacturing up to 4,000 GMLRS a year from 2029.
At the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations 2023, the United States affirmed its support for Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise and our plan to produce viable volumes of GMLRS for global consumption, establish a sovereign Australian solid rocket motor capability, and manufacture future guided weapons.
The United States also acknowledged Australia's GWEO Enterprise provides a pathway for the co-development, co-production and co-sustainment of
critical long‑range fires and the component supply chains for both nations.
These projects are part of the Government’s acceleration of longer-range strike capabilities in line with the 2024 National Defence Strategy and underpinned by tens of billions of dollars, including the $16-21 billion investment to establish the GWEO Enterprise and sovereign munitions manufacturing capabilities in Australia.
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Government Invests $200 Million in Navy's Communications System
The Government is upgrading communication systems on Royal Australian Navy ships under a $200 million program with Boeing Defence Australia.
The contract will deliver a state-of-the-art secure and interoperable communications system, known as the Maritime Warfighter Network, and will provide the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with a single integrated communications network.
This project enhances Navy’s capabilities in line with the National Defence Strategy and is consistent with Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities set out in the Albanese Government’s Defence Industry Development Strategy.
It also builds on the Government’s previous investment of more than $150 million in Australian-made satellite communications terminals for Navy vessels and is another example of our commitment to building a defence future made in Australia.
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Lockheed Martin Selects AW Bell in Domestic Production of GMLRS Canards
Lockheed Martin Australia is working with Australian supplier, AW Bell, to progress production verification activities for the manufacture of canards for GMLRS munitions as part of a demonstration program in partnership with the Commonwealth’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise.
This demonstration program is the first GWEO Enterprise funded activity designed to help identify and uplift Australian industry as a potential source for GMLRS and future missile manufacturing opportunities. This aligns with the Australian Government’s objectives to develop local industry capability and increase industrial resilience as outlined by
Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, the Hon Pat Conroy MP, in the Government’s GWEO Plan.
AW Bell is a Melbourne-based company that produces complex metal products with high mechanical properties for aerospace, defence, and other industries.
The company specialises in advanced castings manufacturing and precision machining and this tasking gives them the opportunity to progress the production verification of the GMLRS canards through a domestic manufacture demonstrator process.
Lockheed Martin will work closely with AW Bell to identify any required tooling or equipment to perform the scope, and develop manufacturing techniques to meet product specifications.
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Power of Defence Science to Shape the Future - Accelerating Technologies
Research and innovation are key to keeping pace with a rapidly changing environment. Australian Defence science has developed ways to transform research into battlefield capabilities as quickly as possible.
This session will explore how defence science can extend our understanding of what is possible in the air and space domain.
The panel’s speakers will share their high-level insights on the way forward for research and innovation. Hear how they believe we should shape the future of defence innovation, science and technology.
Convenor: Defence Science and Technology Group, Department of Defence
Date: Tuesday 25 March
Time: 1030-1200
Registration: Open to all Avalon 2025 Trade Day attendees.
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Avalon International Airshow is just around the corner and ODIS be there!
As the premier aerospace and defence event in the Southern Hemisphere, Avalon is the perfect place to connect, explore opportunities, and discuss how we can work together on future projects.
Why meet the Office of Defence Industry Support (ODIS)?
- Discover new opportunities: Learn how we support businesses in the aerospace and defence industries.
- Explore partnerships: Whether you’re an SME or an industry leader, let’s discuss collaboration.
- Stay ahead of the industry: Get insights into upcoming projects, procurement trends, and supply chain opportunities.
- Where to find us: Department of Defence booth
- Dates: 25-28 March 2025
Office of Defence Industry Support (ODIS) Briefing
Date: Thursday 27 March
Time: 1000-1200
Location: Conference Centre Room 6,
Avalon Event Site
More info>
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AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code - Steel, 2 day Course Melbourne
30 Apr-1 May 2025
Weld Australia will be holding a 2 day AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code – Steel course in Melbourne on 30 April & 01 May, presented in person by international expert Cristian Zanfir.
This specialised course explores the requirements for AWS D1.1 compliance, covering key topics such as: certification for welding contractors, inspectors, and procedures; visual welding inspection techniques, and pre-qualification and qualification of welding procedures. Additionally, the course will also highlight changes that will come in the new D1.1:2025 edition later this year.
The presenter is Cristian Zanfir (Manager of Standards, Office of Public Safety, CWB Group) and his key role is contributing to the development of standards within many committees of the AWS, ASME, CSA and ISO organisations; and he has extensive specialised experience in the requirements of the D1.1 code.
Registrations are now open, click HERE to register.
What: AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code – Steel two day course
Presenter: International expert, Cristian Zanfir
When: Wednesday to Thursday, 30 April -1May 2025
Where: Venue tba in Melbourne CBD; live webinar available too
Timing: 8am registration day one, 8.30am-5pm; morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea is provided for in-person attendees
Melbourne in-person cost: Weld Australia Members $2450 inc GST; non-members $2650 inc GST
Live webinar cost: Weld Australia Members $2000 inc GST; non-members $2200 inc GST
Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and professional network, ask questions and clarify learning in-person, and benefit from Cristian Zanfir’s expertise.
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| In Case You Missed These Announcements!
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Are you a business undertaking work on behalf of Defence, or other entity planning to work with Defence in the future?
The Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) supports Australian entities to understand and meet their security obligations when engaging in Defence tenders, contracts and projects, as well as providing other information to help get businesses ‘Defence Ready’.
DISP membership applies to companies working directly for Defence, or as part of a larger supply chain.
Learn more about the program, or meet the DISP team in-person at the upcoming Avalon Air Show this March. DISP and the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) will have staff on hand at the event to answer any questions.
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AUKUS Licence Free Environment
Under the Defence Trade Controls Amendment Act 2024 (DTC Amendment Act), Australia has established a licence-free environment to promote strategic collaborations with our Australia, United Kingdom, United States (AUKUS) partners.
The licence-free environment exempts certain Defence and Strategic Goods List (DSGL) goods technology, services from permit requirements when transferring between Australia, the United States and/or the United Kingdom.
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The JOSCAR-AU system was established following an initiative led by a growing number of prime contractors as registered buyers together with the Commonwealth Government.
JOSCAR-AU is a cross-sector collaborative solution that reduces the time, cost, resources and duplication currently needed to provide information to major prime customers. Holding common supplier information in a central system, the JOSCAR-AU accreditation system allows information to be accessed by all participating buying organisations.
JOSCAR-AU is designed to make the process of pre-qualification or accreditation as efficient as possible – saving your company a significant amount of the time, effort and cost associated with working for multiple clients.
Hellios enables more effective compliance with client requirements for business through a single process. Your initial registration will determine the level of pre-qualification or accreditation that your clients require, based on an automated risk profile.
Expert advice is provided throughout the process to guide you including identifying potential business improvement opportunities that may increase your competitive advantage.
Registration on JOSCAR-AU is either by invitation from your registered JOSCAR-AU buyer or via self
nomination. If your buyer has asked you to complete the JOSCAR-AU questionnaire, they will contact Hellios directly on your behalf. Hellios will then process this request and send a link to the questionnaire for you to complete. If you would like to self nominate, please reach out at joscar@hellios.com.au.
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BAESA/GAP Industry Training: Estimating For Defence
BAE Systems Australia and the Global Access Program are pleased to once again offer Estimating & Pricing Industry Training during 2024.
Delivering competitive and defendable proposals for Defence requires a variety of estimating techniques to build robust, credible and defendable Basis of Estimates. Learn how to challenge your cost base, supplier quotes, estimates and price, and submit a compliant proposal that meets customer requirements, represents value for money, and can survive a cost investigation.
Estimating For Defence is a two day course developed by Estimating & Pricing (E&P) at BAE Systems Australia, and delivered in partnership with the Global Access Program (GAP).
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Open to Industry partners Based in Australia, Canada, and the UK
The Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) aims to coalesce and expand the defense industrial base (DIB) in support of the Manufacturing, Capability Expansion, and Investment Prioritization Directorate (MCEIP) critical sectors and additional areas of interest. To align with the recent modification to the definition of Domestic Source for Title III of the Defense Production Act, and in keeping with the MCEIP vision of delivering a resilient U.S. supply chain and workforce able to respond in times of national security crisis, DIBC is excited to announce that we are opening membership to Industry partners in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. This increased level of collaboration will aid the DIBC in achieving MCEIP’s
mission and vision.
The application to become a DIBC member can be found here. International members will need to apply for a NCAGE Code and UEI prior to joining DIBC. To apply for a NCAGE code, each organization will need to register at https://sam.gov/. Instructions on how to register can be found here.
If you have questions about the application process, please feel free to reach out to dibconsortium@ati.org.
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Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has announced a $20 million investment to provide small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with greater access to vital research and development (R&D) opportunities to accelerate their growth.
The funding will allow CSIRO’s SME Connect team to support up to 750 SMEs through a range of programs and initiatives that provide facilitation, training, dollar-matched funding and support to start-ups and SMEs seeking to engage in company-led research projects.
One of the programs being supported is SME Connects flagship program, CSIRO Kick-Start. Since its inception in 2017, the Kick-Start program has facilitated over 280 company-led R&D
projects, with alumni companies collectively holding a market value exceeding $2 billion.
Dr Doug Hilton, CSIRO’s Chief Executive, emphasised the significance of this investment and the transformative impact it would have for Australia’s critical SME sector.
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The Victorian Land Systems Fund – Supply Chain Uplift Program will support Victorian defence industry businesses to work with Hanwha Defense Australia (Hanwha) as part of its supply chain. The program will help build
businesses’ capabilities so they can help Hanwha deliver the Commonwealth Government’s $1 billion Land 8116 Self-Propelled Howitzer program.
Funding will support eligible Victorian businesses to:
- gain relevant accreditations and meet industry specific compliance requirements
- prepare tenders
- undertake minor facilities upgrades and equipment fit outs
- develop new or enhance current defence products or services
- undertake defence R&D
- participate in trade missions to pursue collaboration and export opportunities.
Businesses must engage with Hanwha and receive its support before applying.
Applications to the Victorian Land Systems Fund Supply Chain Uplift Program are now open and close on 30 June 2024 or until funds have been exhausted.
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Defence Industry Development Grants Program
The Defence Industry Development Grants Program (the program) will award grants over four years from 2024-25 to 2027-28. The program was announced as part of the Defence Industry Development Strategy.
The objective of the program is to build the industrial base Australia needs to achieve Defence outcomes in areas of strategic priority.
The Defence Industry Development Grants Program funds four distinct grant opportunity streams tailored to address the program outcomes:
- Sovereign Industrial Priorities
- Skilling
- Exports
- Security.
These four grants opportunities will be assessed in batches. We will regularly update the closing dates for each batch on this page. You can apply at any time.
All projects are due to be completed by 31 Mar 2028.
About the streams
The Sovereign Industrial Priorities stream will assist eligible small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to purchase manufacturing plant and equipment which is used directly to develop and/or deliver programs that are in line with the Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities (SDIPs) described in the Defence Industry Development Strategy.
The Skilling stream helps Australian defence industry to upskill and train in priority trade, technical and professional skillsets to develop a workforce with the right mix of qualified and experienced personnel to meet Defence requirements. The program will enhance the capacity and capability of Australian defence industry workforce to deliver SDIPs described in the Defence Industry Development Strategy.
The Exports stream provides support for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to overcome export barriers and help defence industry build scale and competitiveness in defence capability priority areas as identified by the SDIPs described in the Defence Industry Development Strategy.
The Security stream helps Australian defence industry improve and maintain security in priority areas as identified by the SDIPs and in line with the Defence Industry Security Program.
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Industry Growth Program - Support for Innovative SMEs to Commercialise and Grow their Business
The program supports innovative small and medium enterprises undertaking commercialisation and/or growth projects within the National Reconstruction Fund priority areas through advisory services and opportunities for matched grant funding. Minor changes or improvements to existing products or services are not considered innovative.
You will be connected to an Industry Growth Program Adviser who will provide tailored advice to support your commercialisation and/or growth project.
Once you have received this advice, you may also be able to apply for:
- grants of $50,000 to $250,000 to support early-stage commercialisation projects
- grants of $100,000 to $5 million for commercialisation and growth projects.
More info >
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Australian Space Industry Capability Database
The Australian Space Industry Capability database will open for industry submissions from mid-July. Companies can upload information on their:
• Location
• Capability
• Workforce
The database has been developed by SIAA and is supported by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), the Australian Space Agency, the Office of Defence Industry Support and SmartSat CRC.
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Australia Partner Network
Leidos Australia is focused on working with Australian Industry for delivery of all of our projects. We know the importance of supporting the growth of sovereign capability and would like to work with more Australian businesses at all stages of our delivery lifecycle.
We encourage Australian companies, who are interested in working with us on the opportunities identified above or on other business requirements as they arise, to complete the following registration form.
In your submission, you should highlight your experience with any relevant Defence, Intelligence, ICT and cyber capabilities and technologies. Our team will then be in touch to identify potential next steps.
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ODIS provides a range of grants to support defence industry businesses. These grants help Australian small and medium enterprises grow to meet Defence capability needs and join global defence industry supply chains.
The ODIS Defence Business Readiness Tool (DBRT) is a platform used by our Industry Engagement Team to assess the Defence Readiness of Australian Small and Medium Enterprises. The DBRT is the first step in the journey to becoming a supplier to Defence.
To use this secure tool you must have an account. You can either sign in with an existing account or create a new one. You will need to provide your Australian Business Number (ABN) when registering your account. Get Defence Ready with DBRT 2.0 and unlock the true potential of your SME within the Defence industry!
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AusTender provides centralised publication of Australian Government business opportunities, annual procurement plans and contracts awarded.
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Grants and Programs Finder
If you’re doing business in Australia, this guided search will help you find grants, funding and support programs from across government.
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Here is a link to the ICN Gateway where you will find major Government and Defence work packages
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Is your business looking to sell to the Australian Government? The newly updated Selling to Government website has all the information and support you need to get involved in government procurement and contracting opportunities. Find out more > |
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| Domestic Event & Exhibitions
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Australian Defence Alliance Victoria Inc.
570 Bourke Street
Melbourne Victoria 3000
Australia
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